Change

I was impressed by the London Olympics of 2012, but I've been Amazed by the reports from the London Paralympics 2012.  I haven't actually seen any of the events - unlike the total bandwidth domination of the Olympics by NBC here in the US, they have broadcast hardly any of the Paralympics, which is a shame.  From the foreign coverage I've read, comments from British FB friends, and photos I've seen from the events, these Paralympics have hit "primetime" and I don't think there's any going back now!  So Awesome!

Today is also the anniversary of September 11th, and brings me a moment of reflection.  I thought about it as I walked to work this morning. The weather is the same beautiful September weather we had 11 years ago at 8:46.  I thought about the rescue workers scrambling, and the smoke, and the survivors, and the dead, and the clear blue sky.   I remember racing home that day, to be with La Prima.  I couldn't watch the endless loop of tragedy on the TV, so we played in the paddling pool while no planes flew overhead in the afternoon.  She is in middle school now, and La Segunda is here with us too.  There have been so many changes since that day, some good, some bad. 

I guess the change in the seasons is always momentous, and a time for reflection or a time for action.  Spring for planting and fall for reaping.  A friend posted this prayer that was recited at the Paralympics closing ceremonies on behalf of Help for Heroes, just beautiful.  Amazing change:

I call upon the spirit of Autumn. The spirit of water, of the ebb and flow of emotion; of open seas and running streams, of cleansing rain; spirit of the evening sun, of twilight and of Autumn.
I call upon the spirit of Winter. The spirit of earth, of the womb of creation; of the night and the snows of winter, deep roots and ancient stones.
I call upon the spirit of Spring. The spirit of air, the breath of life; of sunrise, and of new life and of new growth.
I call upon the Spirit of Summer. The spirit of fire, of energy of passion; spirit of the noonday sun, the heat of summer, vitality and abundance.
My friends, let the festival commence!


The circle is unbroken,
The ancestors awoken.
May the songs of the Earth
and of her people ring true.
Hail to the Festival of the flame
of root and branch, tooth and claw,
fur and feather, of earth and sea and sky.

~ From the  British Druid Order